The Husker quarterback has shown teammates leadership qualities even while not playing.
He’s not atop the depth chart this week but teammates have taken notice of how Jeff Sims hasn’t disappeared in having a leadership presence on the Husker team.
«I’ve been very impressed with that … just the way that he’s carried himself after he got injured and being a great teammate to Heinrich,» said tight end Thomas Fidone. «You see it everywhere. When Heinrich makes a great play, he’s right there cheering him on … A lot of players wouldn’t do that I feel like. That’s a grown adult. It takes a lot of maturity to be able to do something like that.»
Fidone said the junior who began the season as Nebraska’s top quarterback has remained a leader on and off the field even as the Huskers will head out of the bye week with Heinrich Haarberg carrying the starting job.
Certainly the first two games for Sims at Nebraska didn’t go as desired, with turnover troubles cropping up and then a sprained ankle against Colorado setting him back physically for several weeks.
Husker head coach Matt Rhule said on Monday that Haarberg, who has gone 3-1 as a starter while Sims has worked his way back closer to 100 percent, is the starter for now, adding that Sims is «ready to go on a moment’s notice.»
Speaking more Tuesday on the decision to go with Haarberg at this time, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said, «I think the style of football that we’re playing right now is very in his wheelhouse and I think he’s doing a nice job of taking care of the football. With a defense like ours, if we can just take care of the football right, and not beat ourselves, we have a chance to have success.»
The offensive coordinator was also complimentary of how Sims has handled the situation and continues to prepare, with Sims and Chubba Purdy both staying at the ready.
«He’s one of the main leaders on our football team. He’s a single digit,» said Satterfield in reference to the jersey number honor Sims received via teammates’ vote prior to the season. «It’s not going exactly to plan. We both understand that. But he does not flinch. He’s a tough kid. He’s a great teammate. He coaches all the other quarterbacks during practice. When it’s his turn to go get reps, he does it at a high level. Had a really good day today throwing the football. There’s going to come a time where we’re going to need all three of those guys to win games toward the end of the season. I think they’re all locked in. They’re all trying to get better. They’re ready for their turn.»
Husker veteran offensive lineman Ethan Piper described Sims as «the same Jeff» in how he takes on things. «I have high respect for him as well. I feel comfortable with either of those two behind us. They both bring a very high, positive energy to the offense.»
Rhule said Monday the Huskers are still mixing Sims in with the 1s a lot in practice.
«I would have no problem ever having a package to play two,» the head coach added. «Not saying we would do that, but I have no problem with the way he works.»
It stuck out to Fidone that Sims is still breaking down the huddle as one of the leaders on the team.
«I feel like as a player, if you aren’t happy with where you’re at, but still breaking it down, it just shows maturity.»